The Budget Committee of the Bundestag passed a decision on a large-scale increase in arms aid to Ukraine on Wednesday afternoon. Another 12 billion euros should be allocated. This is a clear signal that Germany wants to support Kyiv with weapons in the long term. This significant increase refers to the current year (3.2 billion) and the period until 2032 (8.8 billion)

A significant part of the money should be directed to the purchase of weapons, directly for Ukraine: “We will help as long as Ukraine needs our help,” SPD politician Andreas Schwartz said in an interview with the ARD TV channel. It is about anti-aircraft defense, means of protection and armored vehicles that serve as support.

The Bundeswehr fills in the gaps

In parallel with the aid to Ukraine, this Wednesday is decisive for the Bundeswehr. It is about filling the gaps created by the supply of arms to Ukraine. Among other things, the federal government wants to order ten Type 2000 self-propelled howitzers and secure an option for 18 more.

In total, Germany and the Netherlands handed Ukraine 14 samples of this heavy artillery.

For a long time, military experts criticized the fact that then-Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht did not issue an order for the replacement of these weapons in the middle of last year. Now the gap will be filled.

“Leopard” and “Marder” until the end of the month

In addition to new support through the allocation of money from the budget, Germany will keep its word and send heavy weapons to Ukraine. By the end of March, according to the promise given to Ukraine, main battle tanks and armored personnel carriers of the Leopard and Marder types will be delivered.

The supplied German equipment and ammunition will have a noticeable effect in combination with the commitments of other Western countries. “This will allow the Ukrainian armed forces to regain the initiative,” General Freuding, who coordinates German arms assistance, told Tagesschau.de. It “will make a difference,” the German brigadier general also said.

Training of the Ukrainian military

In the 1990s, Christian Freuding trained as an officer at a tank school in Münster, Lower Saxony. It is here that the Ukrainian military has been learning to use Marder and Leopard in recent weeks.

They practice primarily on the Marder BMP and the Leopard-2 battle tank, and also learn to coordinate and repair tanks. A five-week course, at least six days a week, 12 hours a day.

“Sunday is actually free,” says Lt. Col. Peter, who conducts training on the Leopard-2 battle tank. “But if it is found that there is a training deficit, we will add Sundays.” This is learning content that would otherwise be taught over several months.

Even after seven days in a row, Ukrainians would like to continue after 22:00. “They have a thirst for knowledge and a desire to learn, which surprises and deeply impresses us,” General Freuding said in an interview with German media.

However, he also knows that after a six-week accelerated course, you shouldn’t expect “miracles” from Ukrainians. And warns against underestimating Russia. Both in terms of personnel and material, Moscow has a huge “mobilization potential”, believes General Freding.